2012 12

The True Spirit of Christmas

By Steve Douglas,

In the early 1900s the old soldiers' home in Atlanta,
Georgia was filled with broken and impoverished men who
had fought so bravely for the Confederacy. They were now
just thankful to have a roof over their heads and hot meals to
eat. These soldiers had been relegated to spend their last days in
this institution penniless. It would be nearly twenty years before
the Confederate Pension system would be established. These old
soldiers, tired and feeble with only their memories and the com-
pany of their old comrades, owed
their Christmas cheer to one man
-"10 Cent Bill."

Bill did not believe it enough for
these old sons of Dixie to receive
on Christmas just an extra sweet
roll or maybe a piece of hard rock
candy or what ever some Confeder-
ate widow had baked and donated
to the home. Because the old sol-
diers' home was supported only by
a small amount of state funds and
relied mostly on public charity to
operate, usually there was nothing
left in the budget for special occa-
sions such as Christmas.

Each year before Christmas,
Bill would set out soliciting donations for these tired old men
who defended the South when they were needed. Then on Christ-
mas Eve, Bill would distribute what he had collected and would
always see that each man had a few dollars which was indeed a
blessing to the old soldiers. One year, Georgia's Governor Hugh
Dorsey helped Bill pass out the goodies. The smile on their faces
and the sparkle back in their eyes, even if only for a moment,
was the only reward "10 Cent Bill" said he ever wanted.

Who was Bill?.. .Bill Yopp was born on one of the largest cot-
ton plantations in Laurens County, Georgia, owned by Jeremiah
Yopp. Bill was the personal servant to Thomas Yopp and fol-
lowed his childhood friend and master into battle when the war
broke out. Yes, Bill was one of the 70,000-plus black Southern-
ers who fought for the Confederacy. He was a member of Com-
pany H of the 14th Georgia Infantry Regiment and served as a
drummer. He got his odd name (10 Cent Bill) during the war by

Guardian Chairman
cleaning and shinning
the shoes of his fel-
low soldiers for 10
cents, which, by the
way, made him the
richest soldier in the
unit. They were kind
to him during the war
and Bill was kind
to them when they
needed help. This is
a great example of
Southern camaraderie

William "Ten Cent Bill" Yopp,
Drummer and Body Servant

Left: William Yopp Right: Thomas Yopp,

Captain, Nth Georgia Volunteer Infantry

Regiment

and the true spirit of the Christmas Season.

The photo at right was taken of Bill and Captain Thomas Yopp
at the soldiers' home just shortly before his lifelong friend and
former master died in 1920. Although now in his eighties, Bill
was honored to give the funeral address, at the family's request,
for his old friend and fellow Confederate soldier.

As the years went by, eventually Bill himself
became a resident of the old soldiers' home;
the first black admitted and was actually
voted in. The men in the home proudly pre-
sented Bill with a medal for his devotion and
his acts of kindness through the years.

"10 Cent Bill" never forgot his friends
and he truly lived the Christmas Spirit of
giving without any expectations of re-
ward or personal gains.

Private Bill Yopp died on June 3,
1936, and is appropriately buried with
his old friends and former comrades
in the Confederate Cemetery in Ma-
rietta, Georgia.

Whars Inside...

Standing Guard, Commander's message 2

A Christmas Story from the Diary of Chatherine White Roland 3

Holiday Greetings, from the Division Chaplain & Lt Commander 3

A Fireside Christmas Story 4

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11

TANDING UUARD

Mark Simpson
SC Division Commander

(WA

e, in the SCV, are often
criticized and misunder-
r r stood for our love and
study of history. While working and
planning for tomorrow we are still
able to look back and reflect upon
the past, its struggles, its victories
and the life lessons it provides as
we follow the path that brings us
to the present. History is bound in
many volumes and the stories teach
valuable lessons of instruction for those who take the time and
initiative to embrace them.

Consider the Greatest Story of all time: "The Christmas
Story". God, taking upon Himself the form of man in order that
we {mankind) might receive the most precious gift in life. . .the
salvation of God.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the an-
gels, now crowned with glory- and honor because he suffered
death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for
everyone. (Hebrews 2:9)

During this Christmas season, in the year of our Lord Two
Thousand and Twelve, I pray that your homes and hearts find
health, prosperity and happiness. But above all, I hope you find
and experience the Peace and Joy of knowing the gift that God
sent to us more than two thousand years ago; His Son Jesus, the
Christ child. Remember, Jesus is the Reason for the Season.

Mark A. Simpson, Commander

South Carolina Division

Sons of Confederate Veterans

PARTISAN

Bill Norris - Editor-in-Chief + Cindy Socia - Art Director/Designer

Paul C. Graham - Associate Editor -f Gene Hogau - Associate Editor

Raphael Waldburg-Zeil - European Associate Editor

The Palmetto Partisan is published periodically by the South Carolina Division of the Sons of
Confederate Veterans as a service to our members. Nonmembers may subscribe to the newsletter
for- $20.00 per annum. It will be sent free of charge to libraries and to public and private schools
upon request. Send all subscriptions to:
Palmetto Partisan, Arm : Division Adjutant 201 Winding Way, Columbia, SC 292 1 2.
The articles, photographs, or content of the Palmetto Partisan may not be reproduced without
the consent of the Division Commander. The opinions expressed by the authors of signed articles
reflect personal views of die writers and are not necessarily a statement of SCV polity. AH articles
and photos must be submitted to the Editor-in-Chief.

Commercial advertising may be purchased with the expressed approval of the Division Commander.
Advertising rates are as follows: ',', page $300, '/<. page $200, business card $ 1 00. All artwork and
copy must be complete, the correct size and ready for print sent in high resolution file format to
SCVGrafx@gmail.com. Remit to Palmetto Partisan address above.

"Camp Classified" ads are for the exclusive use of the Division Camps. Ads are 1 column width by
3" depth in size and must be submitted 30 days in advance ofthe next publication date. An artwork
& design fee of $65 is required prior to press date sent to Palmetto Partisan address above.

Services or products advertised do not carry SCV endorsement unless otherwise
specified.

A Christmas Story j J
From the Diary of j upjf
Catherine White Roland

M^

By Robert Slimp

This piece is from the dairy of Catherine White Roland. Mrs.
Roland was the young daughter of Amos and Elizabeth
McKinney of Waynesboro, Georgia. During the war, Catherine's
husband, Charles Alden Rowland, was an officer in the Confeder-
ate Army of Tennessee and the owner of Ivanhoe Plantation on
the outskirts of Waynesboro. They had one son who was born in
1861. In her husband's absence, Mrs. Roland ran the plantation
with the help of her mother.

In late November of 1864, General Sherman's Calvary Com-
mander, General Hugh Judson Kirkpatrick rode up to the Ivanhoe
Plantation House and immediately entered to look over the fine
china and silver. Shortly thereafter several of his men came in to
warn him that General "Fighting Joe " Wheeler had just entered the
property and would be at the house in less than five minutes.

Mrs. Roland wrote in her diary what followed: "Immediately
Kirkpatrick and his Yankees left, and jumped on their horses and
skedaddled, saving our house and indeed any of our property
from being rifled."

On Wednesday, November 30, 1 864, Mrs. Roland wrote that
General Sherman had decided to go through central Georgia to
try and capture Savannah. General Kilpatrick had been unable
to make any headway toward Augusta, and had been ordered by
Sherman to re-join him. She went on to say, "Hearing that Gen-
eral Joe Wheeler, had returned, after defeating Kilpatrick and was
now once again on our property, I sent for him at once and invited
him, and any of his staff he wished to bring to dine with us. He
accepted the invitation and spent several hours with us. He told us
that Kilpatrick had joined the infantry at Louisville, and has now
advanced upon three roads leading to Augusta, and thinks they
have made that move to protect their infantry. General Wheeler
said that he thinks he will go towards Savannah because Sherman
has already made that decision, as he can there operate with his
fleet, should he be successful, he will thus be able to accomplish
more than by going to Augusta. I personally hope we will be able
to keep him from Savannah though I doubt very much if we can
hold the place as we have a small force in comparison to Sherman's
immense army." Mrs. Roland then added, "I like General Wheeler
very much indeed, he is very pleasant and perfectly unassuming.
John Reynolds was with General Wheeler piloting him through
the country so he also came to dinner; he says his Father has suf-
fered very heavily, that the Yankees burnt up everything but their
dwelling and killed all of their live stock and completely rifled
the house. Gano came down from Augusta to join Wheeler. We
had a note from General Wheeler the next day saying he thought
we might rest quietly as we were not likely to be disturbed by the
Yankees." Thankfully there were no more Yankee threats!

On Christmas Day, 1 864, Mrs. Roland describes her conflicting
feelings of hope and despair on what, in happier times, had been
one ofthe most joyous days ofthe year: "The greeting of 'Merry
Christmas' seems like a mockery now. While there is so much
trouble and suffering in our midst and I have not had the heart to
give utterance to it today. What a striking contrast between the
last Christmas. My darling husband was with me then and we
were very happy together, and now there are many hundred miles
between us, and many anxious hours do I spend in being separated

See Story, on page 3

Ken temples
S( Division Chaplain

From 1 852- 1 854, Colonel Lee's position as
Superintendent of the Military Academy at
West Point required him to be present during
the holidays, leaving the family at Arlington
without him. In 1856, Lee was again absent
from the Arlington Christmas celebrations
when he was transferred to Texas with the
2nd US Cavalry. It was there that he sent the
following lines to his wife and family:

"The time is approaching when I trust many of you will be as-
sembled around the family hearth at dear Arlington, to celebrate
another Christmas. Though absent, my heart will be in the midst
of you, and I shall enjoy in imagination and memory, all that is
going on. May nothing occur to mar or cloud the family fireside,
and may each be able to look back with pride and pleasure at their
deeds of the past year and with confidence and hope to that in
prospect. I can do nothing but hope and pray for you."

Again, only a few days before Christmas, he wrote:

"I have been recalling dearest Mary the many happy Christ-
mases we have had together, and the pleasure I have enjoyed
with you, your parents and the children around me. I ought not
therefore to repine at an occasional separation from you, but be
grateful for what I have had, and be prepared to keep this solitary
and alone. My prayers and thoughts will be with you and all will
receive my fervent salutations. I hope nothing will be omitted that
I could have done, to make each one happy."

Dear brothers, if I could wish for you a Merry Christmas,
it could be no more than what-sar great Chieftain wished for
his own loved ones in 1 856. It is in that same sweet spirit that I
send your way my dearest thoughts and prayers for a very happy
Christmas!

In the name of our precious Savior, Jesus Christ,

"//r//y y&pitdmtu and QfvaJiAy Q Veto gpwo*.

Ken Temples
South Carolina Division Chaplain

*X3

StOIK, cont. from page 2

from him, which is increased each day as I fail to hear from him,
but I trust in God and pray that he will watch over and protect him
from all dangers, disease and accident and yet bring us together
again. God has been most merciful unto us and my heart is full
of gratitude and thankfulness for all the blessings He has given
me, and above all do I thank him for having spared the life of
my precious husband and child. Last Christmas a large party was
assembled at dear old Ivanhoe and we had a happy time together
and I remember so well how much pleasure the children had in
receiving their presents from the Christmas tree; three of that party
have since passed away, Charlie McCay, and dear little Lizzie and
Clara. They are spending a happy Christmas in Heaven for they
are all bright angels in that peaceful and happy home."

Yet despite the stark contrast between this Christmas and those
previous, there were pointed moments of joy. "I have had plea-
sure today," she writes, "in witnessing the happiness of my little
darling. As soon as he opened his eyes this morning he called for
his stocking and was perfectly wild with delight when he opened
it and saw all the gifts from 'Santa Claus,' and exclaimed, "'oh,
Mamma, isn't Santa Taus a dood old man.'"

T>

Keii Thrasher
M Division IX Commander

he Fall Season is upon us, and winter is
on it's heels. Time has flown by since
the Reunion in North Myrtle Beach and many
things have been accomplished during this
tune. The Potential Members spreadsheet is
available for all Camps to see and utilize. The
names and contact information on persons
that have downloaded applications are listed for camps to fol-
low up on and try to get these men into a camp. Scott James,
of Columbia, has been appointed as the Division 2nd Lt. Com-
mander. Compatriot James' duties are to help and assist me and
the Camps with administering the Potential Member and De-
linquent Members Spreadsheets . as we try to recover members

that have dropped
by the wayside
over the years. 1
am asking that
each camp use
their Lt Com-
mander as their
retention officer
or find a member
that will take up
the task. With a
little work, we can
recover these men
that have dropped
out of the Sons
of Confederate
Veterans.

With the hot
days of summer
past, the cooler weather offers a chance for our camps to get
out in their communities and participate in fcsth als. cemetery
cleanups, Cross of Honor Dedications, etc. These are just some
of the ways and avenues to acquire recognition in your home
communities, plus it helps in recruiting. Remember, we, the
Sons of Confederate Veterans, arc the best kept secret in the
State. Let us all work together in our home communities to see
that we become the best known organization in our community.
The Sons cannot grow without people of the communities
knowing who we are, what we do and what we stand for, so
let's get more acquainted with our home communities.

In Closing, I would like to wish everyone a very safe and
happy Christmas and New Years holiday. Let us not forget
the true meaning of Christmas. It is a not only a time to spend
with family and friends, but the time to remember the birth of
Jesus and to reflect upon our religious beliefs.

Keeping the Flag unfurled

Ken Thrasher

Lt. Commander, SC Division

MirfisidtyC-hiiistmasiStoiWf

br/wlkre Collins was extremely popular throughout the Confederate States, and many a soldier read his fireside Christmas
storyTTMygtolen Mask, or The Mysterious Cash-Box", published in 1864. It demonstrates the educational and intellectual level
exis)ftig^rthat time, from the Gentlernsa-class down to the barefooted common soldier. Despite desperate shortages of ink, paper,
and printing presses as the War went on, the South wrote, read, stimulated the Muses and dreamt the dream of human souls.

During the last winter of the War, Wilkie Collins' "The Stolen Mask, or The Mysterious Cash-Box. A Story for a Christmas
Fireside" was published in Columbia, SC. The story is a revised version of Collins The Mask and the Mystery: A Christmas Sketch.
Wilkie Collins, a great friend of Charles Dickens, is best remembered for his novel The Moonstone, which featured one of the first
detectives in English fiction, long before Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. If you want a taste of what your ancestors were
reading, check this out.

"The Stolen Mask" follows retired actor Ruben Wray, his granddaughter Annie, and his friend Martin Blount. Wray is fanatical
in his devotion to the study and performance of Shakespeare, and when the story opens, he and his companions have just finished
a brief stay in Stratford-Upon-Avon, England. Wray has secretly made a mold of Shakespare's bust in the church there, and then
created a perfect replica. Ruben Wray soon discovers that someone saw him making the copy and that the authorities seek to punish
him. In his haste to leave town, however, he forgets the mold hidden in one of his previous lodgings and the troubles begin. . .

Wilkie Collins, "The Stolen Mask; or The Mysterious Cash-box. A Story for a Christmas Fireside", Steam Power-press of F.G.
DeFontaine, Columbia, S.C. 1 864

It's available as Kindle edition e-book, but you can read the novel online for free by using the following link:

http://docsouth.unc.edu/imls/collins/collins.html

"To you. Sons of Confederate Veterans, we will commit the vindication of the cause for which we fought. To your strength will be given the
defense of the Confederate soldier's good aame, the guardianship of his history, the emulation of his virtues, the perpetuation of those principles
which he loved and which you love also, and those ideals which made him glorious and which you also cherish."

The Charge is the official -Mission Statement of the Sens et Confederate Veterans" Commander General, Un^=d Confederate Veterans Reunion at New Orleans, 1906

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